Optical fiber ribbon storage

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic cable splice storage assembly includes a termination box including first and second curve shaped bend controls disposed in an upper half of the termination box. The first and second curve shaped bend controls face each other and are detached from one another. An exterior cable port is disposed at a lower side of the termination box and includes an opening that is dimensioned to allow a terminating end of a fiber optic cable to be fed into the termination box. A splice retention cradle frame is disposed between the first and second curve shaped bend controls in the top half of the termination box. A splice retention cradle has splice retention features that are dimensioned to accommodate a splice covering for fiber optic cable. The splice retention cradle frame is dimensioned such that the splice retention cradle may snap-in securely to the splice retention cradle frame.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/040,003 filed 27 Sep. 2013, which claims priority to provisional U.S.Application No. 61,789,749, the content of said applicationsincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to optical communicationsequipment, and particularly relates to methods for storing optical fiberribbon.

BACKGROUND

Today's communication networks provide transport of voice, video anddata to both residential and commercial customers, with more and more ofthose customers being connected by fiber optic cables. In thesecommunication networks, information is transmitted from one location toanother by sending pulses of light through the fiber optic cables. Fiberoptic transmission provides several advantages over electricaltransmission techniques, such as increased bandwidth and lower losses.

In telecommunications, the term “demarcation point” is used to refer tothe point at which the communications service provider cabling ends andconnects to a customer's on-premises wiring, cabling, and the like. Thecustomer is generally responsible for installation and maintaining ofcabling and equipment on the customer's side of the demarcation point.

A demarcation box is often placed at the demarcation point and is usedto house the physical interface between the service provider's networkand the customer's cabling. When that cabling involves fiber opticcables, the demarcation box, or fiber termination box, must typicallyprovide secure storage for fiber splices, to allow an installer toconnect a fiber optic cable to cabling in the box, and may providefan-out cabling to one or several fiber optic connectors, for connectionto customer cabling and equipment.

One type of fiber optic cable that is commonly used is ribbon fiberoptic cable. Ribbon fiber optic cable includes individual optical fibersarranged side by side and laminated by a relatively durable material,such as plastic, in a ribbon-like form that positions, holds andprotects the fibers. These ribbons may be paired with additionalcomponents, such as buffer layers and strength members, and encased by ajacketing material.

Splicing a ribbon fiber optic cable at a demarcation box involvesexposing ribbon segments of the fiber optic cables to be spliced fromthe jacketing material and making the splice with these exposed ribbonsegments. In general, exposed ribbon fiber is fragile and must be storedin an organized fashion that protects optical fibers in the exposedribbon from damage. The physical properties of ribbon fiber optic cableare such that the ribbon is resistive to acute changes in shape and thustends to resist any organized routing of the ribbon.

Operators continue to seek reduced costs and improved reliability of theterminations and the interfaces to the customer network. Accordingly,improvements in the design of these termination boxes and in techniquesfor terminating fiber optic cables are needed.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention include improved termination boxes,as described herein, as well as improved techniques for storing fiberoptic ribbons within such termination boxes.

In one embodiment, a method for terminating a fiber optic cable isdisclosed. A termination box is provided. A terminating end of a fiberoptic cable is attached to the termination box, such that one or moreexposed ribbon fiber segments from the fiber optical cable areaccessible from inside the termination box. One or more fan-out fiberoptic cables are attached to the termination box, such that one or moreexposed ribbon fiber segments from the fan-out fiber optic cables areaccessible from inside the termination box. An exposed ribbon fibersegment from the fiber optic cable is spliced to a corresponding exposedribbon fiber segment from the one or more fan-out fiber optic cables,such that the resulting splice has a splice covering and such that thespliced ribbon fiber segments and the splice covering form a continuouslength of exposed ribbon fiber between the fiber optical cable and thefan-out fiber optic cables. The splice covering is secured to a spliceretention cradle. The splice retention cradle with the secured splicecovering is rotated so that the continuous length of exposed ribbonfiber crosses itself at a point between the splice retention cradle andthe termination box. The splice retention cradle is secured to thetermination box such that the exposed ribbon fiber remains crossed andforms a double loop. The double loop of exposed ribbon fiber is flippedso that the double loop crosses itself and the crossed double loop isfolded to form a quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber. The quadrupleloop of exposed ribbon fiber is secured to the termination box, usingtwo or more routing clips attached to the termination box.

In another embodiment, a method for splicing and securing fiber opticcables in a demarcation box, each fiber optic cable including interiorribbon fibers, is disclosed. A demarcation box is provided. Aterminating end of a fiber optic cable is inserted through an exteriorcable port of the demarcation box. A length of ribbon fiber is exposedfrom a jacketed portion of the terminating end of the fiber optic cable.The terminating end of the fiber optic cable is secured to thedemarcation box such that the length of exposed ribbon fiber isaccessible from inside the demarcation box. A length of ribbon fiber isexposed from a jacketed portion of the fan-out fiber optic cable. Thefan-out fiber optic cable is secured to the demarcation box such thatthe length of exposed ribbon fiber is accessible from inside thedemarcation box. The exposed ribbon fiber from the fiber optic cable issecured to a corresponding exposed length of fan-out fiber optic cablesuch that the resulting splice has a splice covering and such that thespliced ribbon fiber segments and the splice covering form a continuouslength of exposed ribbon fiber between the fiber optical cable and thefan-out fiber optic cables. The splice covering is secured to a spliceretention cradle. The continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber ispositioned so that the continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber crossesitself at a point between the splice retention cradle and thedemarcation box. The splice retention cradle is secured to thetermination box such that the exposed ribbon fiber remains crossed andforms a double loop. The double loop of exposed ribbon fiber is twistedso that the double loop crosses itself and the crossed double loop isfolded to form a quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber. The quadrupleloop of exposed ribbon fiber is secured to the demarcation box, usingtwo or more routing clips attached to the demarcation box.

In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable splice storage assembly isdisclosed. The fiber optic cable splice storage assembly includes atermination box including first and second curve shaped bend controlsdisposed in an upper half of the termination box. The first and secondcurve shaped bend controls face each other and are detached from oneanother. The termination box further includes an exterior cable portdisposed at a lower side of the termination box and including an openingthat is dimensioned to allow a terminating end of a fiber optic cable tobe fed into the termination box, and a splice retention cradle framedisposed between the first and second curve shaped bend controls in thetop half of the termination box. The assembly further includes a spliceretention cradle having splice retention features that are dimensionedto accommodate a splice covering for fiber optic cable. The spliceretention cradle frame is dimensioned such that the splice retentioncradle may snap-in securely to the splice retention cradle frame.

In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable assembly is disclosed. Thefiber optic cable assembly includes a termination box including firstand second curve shaped bend controls disposed in an upper half of thetermination box. The first and second curve shaped bend controls faceeach other and are detached from one another. The termination boxfurther includes an exterior cable port disposed at a lower side of thetermination box and including an opening that is dimensioned to allow aterminating end of a fiber optic cable to be fed into the terminationbox, a splice retention cradle frame disposed between the first andsecond curve shaped bend controls in the top half of the terminationbox, a splice retention cradle securely snapped into the spliceretention cradle frame and having splice retention features, a firstfiber optic cable having a first exposed ribbon fiber segment and beingfed through the exterior cable port, and a second fiber optic cablehaving a second exposed ribbon fiber segment. The first exposed ribbonfiber segment is spliced with the second exposed ribbon fiber segment.The splice of the first and second exposed ribbon fiber segments issecured to the splice retention features of the splice retention cradle.The first and second exposed ribbon fiber segments are organized in anumber of loops with at least one of the loops being placed around thefirst and second curve shaped bend controls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a termination box and fiber optic cables used in a methodfor terminating a fiber optic cable, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts additional components used in a method for terminating afiber optic cable, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a terminating end of a fiber optic cable attached to atermination box, a fan-out fiber optic cable attached to the terminationbox and exposed ribbon fiber segments accessible from inside thetermination box.

FIG. 4 depicts exposed ribbon fiber segments from a terminating end of afiber optic cable spliced to exposed ribbon fiber segments from afan-out fiber optic cable and secured in a splice retention cradle.

FIG. 5 depicts the splice retention cradle of FIG. 4 rotated so that theexposed ribbon fiber segments cross at a point between the spliceretention cradle and the termination box.

FIG. 6 depicts a splice retention cradle secured to the termination boxand exposed ribbon fiber segments remaining crossed and forming a doubleloop.

FIG. 7 depicts the exposed ribbon fiber segments of FIG. 6 flipped sothat the double loop crosses itself.

FIG. 8 depicts the double loop of FIG. 7 folded to form a quadruple loopof exposed ribbon fiber.

FIG. 9 depicts the quadruple loop of FIG. 8 secured to the terminationbox using routing clips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The components shown in FIGS. 1-2 are exemplary components that may beused in a method for terminating a fiber optic cable. FIGS. 3-9 depictvarious steps in a method for terminating a fiber optic cable, accordingto an embodiment, using the components of FIGS. 1-2. It should beappreciated, however, that the techniques illustrated in FIGS. 3-9 maybe more generally applied, using equipment that is generally similar tothe components illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 but differing in shape, count,or other details.

Referring to FIG. 1, a termination box 100, terminating end of a fiberoptic cable 102 and a fan-out fiber optic cable 104 are shown.

Termination box 100 may be, for example, a layered fiber demarcation boxdesigned for high-density fiber connectivity and splicing for indoor allmount applications. Termination boxes such as termination box 100provide an enclosure that securely protects a splice of the terminatingend of the fiber optic cable 102 and the fan-out fiber optic cable 104.Moreover, termination boxes such as termination box 100 securely protectany exposed ribbon fiber resulting from a splice of, for example, fiberoptic cables 102, 104.

Termination box 100 depicted in FIG. 1 includes a customer terminalinterface 106, an exterior cable port 108, an exterior cable retentionfeature 110, bend controls 112 and a splice retention cradle frame 114.

The customer terminal interface 106 provides an interface for individualfibers of the fan-out fiber optic cable 104 to be connected to, e.g., acustomer's on-premises wiring.

The exterior cable port 108 provides an opening that allows theterminating end of the fiber optic cable 102 to be fed into thetermination box 100 for splicing.

The exterior cable retention feature 110 may include a semi-circularstructure dimensioned to surround the fiber optic cable 102 and securelyretain the fiber optic cable 102 to the termination box 100. Ideally,the exterior cable retention feature 110 is positioned near the exteriorcable port 108 and made of relatively strong material to resist forcesexerted on the fiber optic cable 102. This reduces the possibility thata splice between the fiber optic cables 102, 104 is destroyed due toexternal forced exerted on the fiber optic cable 102.

The bend controls 106 provide a rounded shape for the routing of ribbonsegments from fiber optic cables 102, 104, and additionally provide asurface from which to fasten the fiber optic cable cables 102, 104.

The splice retention cradle frame 114 provides a frame to mount aretention cradle that retains and protects a splice of fiber opticcables 102, 104. For instance, the splice retention cradle frame 114 maybe dimensioned in a complementary fashion to a splice retention cradle,so that the splice retention cradle may snap-in securely.

The fiber optic cable 102 may be, for example, a cable connected to acommunication network that carries voice, data, etc., from a serviceprovider. The fiber optic cable 102 depicted in FIG. 1 includes interiorribbon fiber that contains individual optical fibers. FIG. 1 depicts anexposed ribbon fiber segment 118 at an end of the fiber optic cable 102,where the interior ribbon fiber is exposed from a jacket portion 120 ofthe fiber optic cable 102 at an end of the fiber optic cable 102.

The fan-out fiber optic cable 104 may be, for example, a fiber opticcable that fans out to customer endpoints within a residence orbusiness. FIG. 1 depicts individual fan-out connections from one end ofthe fan-out fiber optic cable 104 to the customer terminal interface106. On an opposite end of the fan-out fiber optic cable 104 is anexposed ribbon segment 122. The exposed ribbon segment 122 correspondsto an interior ribbon fiber of the fan-out fiber optic cable 104 andincludes individual optical fibers that are associated with theindividual fan-out connections to the customer terminal interface 106.

The exposed ribbon fiber segments 118, 122 are used to splice the fiberoptic cable 102 to the fan-out fiber optic cable 104. As a result ofthis splice, communication service may be provided to the individualfan-out connections and ultimately customer endpoints within a residenceor business.

Referring to FIG. 2, a splice retention cradle 126, a splice covering128, routing clips 132, and tie clips 134 are shown.

The splice retention cradle 126 is a substantially rigid structure usedto secure a splice of the exposed ribbon fiber segment 118, 122 to oneanother and to the termination box 100. The splice retention cradle 126may include splice covering retention features 130 that are dimensionedcomplementary to the splice covering 128 so that the splice covering 128may snap in securely.

The splice covering 128 covers and protect splices of exposed ribbonfiber from exterior environmental conditions that may damage the splice.According to an embodiment, the splice covering 128 used to splice theexposed ribbon fiber segments 118, 122 is a substantially rigid splicecovering 128.

Additionally, routing clips 132 are shown. The routing clips 132 aremovable clips used to gently retain the exposed fiber segments 118, 122to the termination box 100 in an organized manner. The routing clips 132include a circular portion that retains the exposed fiber segments 118,122 and a break feature in the circular portion that allows forinsertion of the exposed fiber segments 118, 122 into the interiorcircumference of the circular portion. The routing clips 132 may bepositioned in several locations of the termination box 100 toaccommodate and loops of, e.g., exposed fiber segments 118, 122.

Finally, FIG. 2 depicts a tie wrap 134. The tie wrap 134 may be anyconventional tie wrap, such as a plastic tie wrap or other fasteningdevice that can be used to affix fiber optic cables 102, 104 to fixedstructures.

Referring to FIG. 3, a termination box 100 is provided. A terminatingend of a fiber optic cable 102 is attached to the termination box 100,such that exposed ribbon fiber segment 118 from the fiber optic cable102 is accessible from inside the termination box 100. As shown in FIG.3, the terminating end of the fiber optic cable 102 is routed throughthe exterior cable port 108. Optionally, the fiber optic cable 102 maybe routed through a cable compression seal at the exterior cable port108. The cable compression seal includes components such as seals,O-rings, etc., and protects the interior of the termination box 100from, e.g., water and undesired foreign particles. The terminating endof the fiber optic cable 102 is additionally routed through the exteriorcable retention feature 110.

The fiber optic cable 102 is prepared to include the exposed ribbonfiber segment 118 by stripping the jacketed portion 120 of theterminating the end of the fiber optic cable 102 at an endpoint. Thismay be done before or after the fiber optic cable 102 is routed throughthe exterior cable port 108. Several considerations determine how muchfiber optic cable 102 is exposed from the jacketed portion 120. Asufficient length of exposed ribbon fiber segment 118 should be providedso that the exposed ribbon fiber segment 118 is accessible to anautomated splicing machine, such as a fusion splicing machine. Inaddition, a sufficiently length of exposed ribbon fiber segment 118should be provided so that two double loops may be routed in thetermination box 100. This allows for two rotationally opposing loops,the advantages of which will be explained herein. Thus, the length ofexposed ribbon fiber segment 118 is correlated to the size oftermination box 100. Further, a sufficient length of exposed ribbonfiber segment 118 should ideally be provided such that the exposedribbon fiber 118 may be pared back in the event that initial attempts atsplicing are unsuccessful. According to an embodiment, approximately 48inches of ribbon fiber segment 118 is exposed from the jacketed portion120 of the fiber optic cable 102.

The fiber optic cable 102 is then arranged in the termination box suchthat an end of the jacketed portion 120, i.e., near a beginning of theexposed ribbon fiber segment 118, is secured to one of the bend controls112 using the tie wrap 134. This arrangement allows the exposed ribbonfiber segment 118 to be spliced and manipulated while the position ofthe jacketed portion 120 of the fiber optic cable 102 is maintained. Asa result, the fiber optic cable 102 as shown in FIG. 3 is attached tothe termination box 100 in two locations: at the bend control 112 withthe tie wrap 134 and near the cable port 108 with the cable retentionfeature 110. However, the disclosed method does not require attachmentin two locations. Moreover, the locations of attachment within thetermination box 100 may vary.

FIG. 3 additionally depicts the fan-out fiber optic cable 104 attachedto the termination box 100, such that the exposed ribbon fiber segment122 from the fan-out fiber optic cable 104 is accessible from inside thetermination box 100. The exposed ribbon fiber segment 122 is obtained bystripping the jacketed portion 124 of the fan-out fiber optic cable 104,in a similar manner as previously discussed with respect to exposing theribbon fiber segment 118 of the fiber optic cable 102. Ideally, thelength of the exposed ribbon fiber segment 122 is substantiallyidentical to the length of the exposed ribbon fiber segment 118,although it need not match precisely. One end of the fan-out fiber opticcable 104 is attached to the termination box 100 by the individualfan-out connections to the customer terminal interface 106. An oppositeend of the fan-out fiber optic cable 104 is attached to the terminationbox 100 such that an end of the jacketed portion 124, i.e., near abeginning of the exposed ribbon fiber segments 122, is secured to one ofthe bend controls 112 using the tie wrap 134. As shown in FIG. 3, theend of the jacketed portion 124 of the fan-out fiber optic cable 104 issecured to a bend control 112 that is opposite to the bend control 112that is used to secure fiber optic cable 102. This configuration allowsfor easy access to the exposed fiber segments 118, 122 for splicing andsubsequent manipulation, while maintaining the position of the jacketedportions 120, 124 of the fiber optic cables 102, 104.

FIG. 4 depicts a splice of the exposed ribbon fiber segment 118 from thefiber optic cable 102 to a corresponding exposed ribbon fiber segment122 from the fan-out fiber optic cable 104, such that the resultingsplice has a splice covering 128 and such that the spliced ribbon fibersegments 118, 122 and the splice covering 128 form a continuous lengthof exposed ribbon fiber between the fiber optic cable 102 and thefan-out fiber optic cable 104. The splice and splice covering 128 arepositioned at approximately a half-way point of the continuous length ofexposed ribbon fiber. This allows for substantially equal lengths ofexposed ribbon fiber on each side of the splice, which in turn allowsfor substantially symmetrical loops of fibers to be made according tomethods discussed herein. A splice at the half-way point of thecontinuous length of exposed ribbon fiber may be achieved by removingsufficient length of the jacketed portions 120, 124 of the fiber opticcables 102, 104 such that the lengths of ribbon fiber segments 118, 122are approximately identical. Additionally or alternatively, the lengthsof ribbon fiber segments 118, 122 may be pared back after exposure fromthe jacketed portions 120, 124 of the fiber optic cables 102, 104 sothat the lengths of ribbon fiber segments 118, 122 are approximatelyidentical.

FIG. 4 additionally depicts the splice covering 128 secured to thesplice retention cradle 126. As shown in FIG. 4, the splice covering 128is secured to the splice retention cradle 126 using the snap-in features130.

FIG. 5 depicts the splice retention cradle 126 with the secured splicecovering 128 of FIG. 4 rotated so that that the continuous length ofexposed ribbon fiber crosses itself at a first crossing point 136between the splice retention cradle and the termination box. The arrowsin FIG. 5 indicate a counter-clockwise rotation of the splice retentioncradle 126 from the perspective of an installer facing the terminationbox 100. Alternatively, the splice retention cradle 126 may be rotatedin a clockwise direction so that that the continuous length of exposedribbon fiber crosses itself at the first crossing point 136.

The steps depicted in FIGS. 6-9 omit certain features shown in FIGS. 3-5for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 6 depicts the splice retention cradle 126 secured to thetermination box 100 such that the exposed ribbon fiber remains crossedat the first crossing point 136 and forms a double loop. The spliceretention cradle 126 may be secured to the termination box 100 bysnapping the splice retention cradle 126 into the splice retentioncradle frame 114. Alternative fastening techniques, such as screws,bolts, etc., are possible. The first crossing point 136 in the ribbonfiber may be maintained by moving the splice retention cradle 126 asoriented in FIG. 4 directly towards the termination box 100 withoutrotating the splice retention cradle 126 or otherwise untwisting theexposed ribbon fiber.

FIG. 7 depicts the double loop of exposed ribbon fiber of FIG. 6flipped, so that the double loop crosses itself at a second crossingpoint 138. A direction of flipping the double loop is shown by therotational arrows of FIG. 7. According to an embodiment, the double loopof exposed ribbon fiber is flipped so that a second twist in the exposedribbon fiber as a result of flipping the double loop as shown in FIG. 7is in a reverse direction of the twist in the exposed ribbon fiber as aresult of rotating the splice retention cradle 126 shown in FIG. 5. Theeffect of flipping the double loop of exposed ribbon fiber in thismanner is that the twists in the crossed double loop rotationally opposeone another.

FIG. 8 depicts the double loop of exposed ribbon fiber of FIG. 7 foldedto form a quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber. Folding may be done,from the perspective of an installer facing the termination box 100, bymoving the bottom of the double loop up in the vicinity of the bendcontrols 112. The exposed ribbon fiber is folded around the secondcrossing point 138 such that the second crossing point 138 is in thevicinity of the bottom of the resulting folded quadruple loop.

FIG. 9 depicts the quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber shown in FIG.8 secured to the termination box 100 using the routing clips 132. Thebreak feature of the routing clips 132 is opened, the exposed ribbonsare inserted into the break feature and the break feature is closed sothat the routing clips 132 permanently retain the exposed ribbons. Asshown in FIG. 9, four routing clips are positioned such that two routingclips are directly beneath each of the bend controls 112 and spacedapart by approximately the same distance. However, different quantitiesand positioning of the routing clips 132 are possible. Ideally, asufficient number of routing clips 132 are positioned so that thequadruple loop of exposed ribbon is secured but allowed to maintain itsshape.

Advantageously, the methods disclosed herein allow for a substantiallength ribbon to be exposed from jacketed portions of fiber optic cablein advance of splicing. The quadruple loop that is formed as a result ofthe methods discussed herein accommodates a substantial length of ribbonefficiently within a termination box. Moreover, the methods discussedherein tolerate a significant variation in the amount of length ofexposed ribbon that is secured to the termination box after the spliceis made. This tolerance is partly due to the fact that the position andnumber of routing clips 132 may vary. Thus, the size of the quadrupleloop that is ultimately secured to the termination box maycorrespondingly vary. Further, the disclosed method allows fortermination of a fiber optic cable in a variety of termination boxeshaving substantially differing size and available area for storage ofexposed ribbon. Moreover, the disclosed methods accommodate variation inthe length of exposed fiber due to the possibility that exposed ribbonis pared back during splicing.

Additionally, the methods disclosed herein advantageously accommodateexposed ribbon fiber that remains after splicing within a terminationbox in a safe and secure manner. The loops efficiently route the exposedribbon approximately around a perimeter of a termination box in such amanner that avoids acute changes in shape. Because the loops aresomewhat tightly contained within the routing clips, the exposed ribbonis protected from rubbing against other components in the terminationbox. Additional advantages are obtained by the embodiment of the methodresulting in twists of the crossed double loop that oppose one another.The opposing twists are advantageous because the self-restricting natureof the double crossed loop prevents the ribbon fiber from naturallyreverting to another shape. Thus, an installer may manipulate and securethe ribbon fiber to the routing clips 116 with less likelihood that theribbon fiber will protrude in different directions and potentially brushagainst potentially damaging surfaces in the termination box 100.

Additionally, the disclosed methods utilize simple, low-cost componentswhile simultaneously providing a safe and reliable way to store theexposed ribbon fiber segments. For instance, the splice retention cradle126 may be a simple and relatively small structure, for example,approximately three inches long and two inches wide, and be made ofplastic. The routing clips 132 may be, for example, approximately oneinch in circumference, and may be made of plastic. These componentsadvantageously reduce cost and complexity over, e.g., larger cablesplice trays in which the perimeter of the tray is used to route exposedribbon fiber segments.

The particular features of the components disclosed herein are providedfor exemplary purposes of discussing the disclosed methods. However,components having different features may be used in conjunction with thedisclosed methods. For instance, the tie wrap 134 may be substitutedwith any device suitable for securing jacketed portions 120, 124 offiber optic cables 102, 104 to the termination box 100, such as a hoseclamp. The routing clips 134 may be substituted with any device suitablyconfigured to retain exposed fiber ribbon, and does not need to bemovable or dimensioned as shown. For instance, the routing clips 134 maybe permanent features that are constituent components of the terminationbox 100. The position and number of bend controls 112 may vary. Forexample, the termination box 100 may include four bend controls 112positioned each of the corners of the termination box 100.

The disclosed methods are equally applicable to the termination of morethan one fiber optic cable and corresponding fan-out ribbon fiber. Forexample, the disclosed method may be performed with two fiber opticcables 102 and two fan-out fiber optic cables 104. The exposed ribbonfiber segments of each cable 102, 104 may combined and simultaneouslyformed into loops, ultimately resulting in quadruple loops, according tothe methods disclosed herein.

Notably, modifications and other embodiments of the disclosedinvention(s) will come to mind to one skilled in the art having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that theinvention(s) is/are not to be limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended tobe included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific termsmay be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic cable splice storage assembly,comprising: a termination box, comprising: first and second curve shapedbend controls disposed in an upper half of the termination box, whereinthe first and second curve shaped bend controls face each other and aredetached from one another; an exterior cable port disposed at a lowerside of the termination box and comprising an opening that isdimensioned to allow a terminating end of a fiber optic cable to be fedinto the termination box; and a splice retention cradle frame disposedbetween the first and second curve shaped bend controls in the top halfof the termination box; a splice retention cradle comprising spliceretention features that are dimensioned to accommodate a splice coveringfor fiber optic cable, wherein the first and second curve shaped bendcontrols each comprise a curved surface extending away from a planarback section of the termination box and a planar surface that extendsaway from the curved surface, wherein the planar surface is spaced apartfrom the planar back section, wherein the splice retention cradle frameis disposed below and partially overlaps with the first and second curveshaped bend controls in a vertical direction of the termination box whenthe splice retention cradle is snapped securely into the spliceretention cradle frame, wherein the first and second curve shaped bendcontrols each curve by approximately ninety degrees such that lower endsof the first and second curve shaped bend controls face towards thelower side of the termination box in the vertical direction, and whereinupper ends of the first and second curve shaped bend controls facetowards one another in a horizontal direction that is perpendicular tothe vertical direction, and wherein the first and second curve shapedbend controls each comprise first and second ones of the planar surfacesdisposed respectively at the lower and upper ends of the first andsecond curve shaped bend controls, the first planar surfaces extendingin a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the verticaldirection.
 2. The fiber optic cable splice storage assembly of claim 1,further comprising a cable retention feature disposed in a lower half ofthe termination box and configured such that the terminating end of thefiber optic cable that is routed through the exterior cable port can berouted through the exterior cable retention feature.
 3. A fiber opticcable assembly, comprising: a termination box, comprising: first andsecond curve shaped bend controls disposed in an upper half of thetermination box, wherein the first and second curve shaped bend controlsface each other and are detached from one another; an exterior cableport disposed at a lower side of the termination box and comprising anopening that is dimensioned to allow a terminating end of a fiber opticcable to be fed into the termination box; a splice retention cradleframe disposed between the first and second curve shaped bend controlsin the top half of the termination box; a splice retention cradlesecurely snapped into the splice retention cradle frame and comprisingsplice retention features; a first fiber optic cable comprising a firstexposed ribbon fiber segment and being fed through the exterior cableport; and a second fiber optic cable comprising a second exposed ribbonfiber segment; wherein the first exposed ribbon fiber segment is splicedwith the second exposed ribbon fiber segment, wherein the splice of thefirst and second exposed ribbon fiber segments is secured to the spliceretention features of the splice retention cradle, and wherein the firstand second exposed ribbon fiber segments are organized in a number ofloops with at least one of the loops being placed around the first andsecond curve shaped bend controls, wherein the exposed ribbon fibersegments are organized in a quadruple loop, the quadruple loopcomprising two twists that rotationally oppose one another.
 4. The fiberoptic cable assembly of claim 3, wherein the quadruple loop is formed bya double loop of the exposed ribbon fiber segments comprising the twotwists that rotationally oppose one another, the double loop beingfolded over itself.
 5. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 4,wherein a first crossing point of the quadruple loop is disposed at atop of the quadruple loop, and wherein a second crossing point of thequadruple loop is disposed at a bottom of the quadruple loop that isopposite from the first and second curve shaped bend controls.
 6. Thefiber optic cable assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a third fiberoptic cable comprising a third exposed ribbon fiber segment; and afourth fiber optic cable comprising a fourth exposed ribbon fibersegment, wherein the third exposed ribbon fiber segment is spliced withthe fourth exposed ribbon fiber segment, wherein the splice of the thirdand fourth exposed ribbon fiber segments is secured to the spliceretention features, and wherein the third and fourth exposed ribbonfiber segments are organized in a number of loops with at least one ofthe loops being placed around the first and second curve shaped bendcontrols.
 7. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 3, furthercomprising a number of routing clips secured to the termination box andarranged below the first and second curve shaped bend controls, whereinthe routing clips secure the exposed ribbon fiber segments to thetermination box, wherein a jacketed portion of the first fiber opticcable is secured to the second curve shaped bend control, and wherein ajacketed portion of the second fiber optic cable is secured to the firstcurve shaped bend control.
 8. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 3,wherein the splice of the first and second exposed ribbon fiber segmentsis covered by a substantially rigid splice covering, and wherein thesubstantially rigid splice covering is securely snapped into the spliceretention features of the splice retention cradle.
 9. A fiber opticcable assembly, comprising: a termination box, comprising: first andsecond curve shaped bend controls disposed in an upper half of thetermination box, wherein the first and second curve shaped bend controlsface each other and are detached from one another; an exterior cableport disposed at a lower side of the termination box and comprising anopening that is dimensioned to allow a terminating end of a fiber opticcable to be fed into the termination box; a splice retention cradleframe disposed between the first and second curve shaped bend controlsin the top half of the termination box; a splice retention cradlesecurely snapped into the splice retention cradle frame and comprisingsplice retention features; a first fiber optic cable comprising a firstexposed ribbon fiber segment and being fed through the exterior cableport; and a second fiber optic cable comprising a second exposed ribbonfiber segment; wherein the first exposed ribbon fiber segment is splicedwith the second exposed ribbon fiber segment, wherein the splice of thefirst and second exposed ribbon fiber segments is secured to the spliceretention features of the splice retention cradle, and wherein the firstand second exposed ribbon fiber segments are organized in a number ofloops with at least one of the loops being placed around the first andsecond curve shaped bend controls, wherein the first and second curveshaped bend controls each comprise planar surfaces disposed at the lowerand upper ends of the first and second curve shaped bend controls, andwherein the first and second exposed ribbon fiber segments are retainedbetween a planar back section of the termination box and the planarsurfaces disposed at the lower and upper ends of the first and secondcurve shaped bend controls.